Publishing giant confirms release of Apple tablet

The release of a tablet device by Apple today has been confirmed by Terry McGraw, the chairman, president and CEO of publishing giant McGraw-Hill, the Telegraph has reported.

McGraw told CNBC that Apple would announce the tablet today and that his company would make its education textbooks available on the device.

"The tablet is going to be based on the iPhone operating system," said McGraw. "With the tablet, you’re going to open up the higher education market, the professional market. The tablet is going to be just really terrific."

McGraw didn’t reveal any specifics about the device, but it has been speculated that it will feature a 10-inch colour touchscreen, wireless connectivity over Wi-Fi and the mobile-phone network, and support for apps, music, movies, e-books and games, the Telegraph reported.

The tablet will first be available in the US at a cost of $800-$1,000, with a release in other countries later this year.